As many of you may have read already, the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) has just updated their recommendations on car seats. While their most recent recommendation had been to keep children rear facing until they reached two years old, they have now revised this to recommend that children stay rear facing as long as possible (based on their car seat specs).
“Fortunately, car seat manufacturers have created seats that allow children to remain rear-facing until they weigh 40 pounds or more, which means most children can remain rear-facing past their second birthday,” said Benjamin Hoffman, MD, FAAP, lead author of the policy statement and chair of the AAP Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention. “It’s best to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. This is still the safest way for children to ride.”
Check out their update article here.
How could this affect your family and your nanny?
- Ensure you know how to correctly install your car seats in your vehicle and your nanny's vehicle
- Make sure your nanny knows how to install them as well (go over the install with her as needed)
- Have your installation inspected. One well known local resource is Sue Emery. Click here for her contact information.
- Make sure to check and make note of your car seat expiry dates (mark the expiry on your phone calendar with a reminder).
- Ensure your child is in the correct carseat based on their weight and height.
- Keep your kiddos rear facing as long as possible.
Some other tips:
- don't use after market products in the car seat that did not come with the car seat (ex. head positioner)
- ensure there are no loose objects in the car that could be unsafe in a crash
- make sure children aren't wearing coats or puffy clothing while strapped in their seat
Thanks for reading!
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